Angie's LIST Guide to
Dog training

Dogs don’t understand English, and their humans will be able to communicate more effectively with them if they understand some basics, say experienced dog trainers:

• Your dog is a pack animal, and will be more relaxed and less prone to problem behavior if it’s sure you’re the pack leader. Your job is to provide for your dog’s basic needs, define a clear structure with boundaries, supply attention and affection and protect your pet from harm.
• Be aware of your body language and how you use eye contact, since these are ways dogs determine your intentions.
• Dogs learn by repetition, and don’t generalize, so be clear about what you want and consistent in how you respond.

For more information, read "Teach your dog who's boss at home," written by a highly trained dog trainer.

Unwanted dog behavior can be more than annoying. Many of the 8 million pets taken in by U.S. shelters each year are abandoned because of behavior issues, and many end up euthanized, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Training a dog to respond to basic commands, such as “come,” “sit” and “stay,” can help prevent problems and make living with a pet more enjoyable. But experts say it’s important to first consult a veterinarian, to rule out a physical cause for behavior issues.

There are many books and resources to guide you in training your pet, but highly rated trainers say benefits of working with a professional include:

• Help in working through the frustration that can arise during training sessions.
• Maximizing results for busy people.
• Specific ideas based on years of experience.

Tips for hiring a dog trainer:

• States don’t require that dog trainers be licensed, so ask about the trainer’s education, credentials and experience. Consider a trainer who’s a member of a professional organization, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or the Association of Canine Professionals.
• Ask your vet for recommendations. Read reviews on Angie’s List. Seek and contact references, asking clients what their dog learned and in what time frame.
• Interview potential trainers, asking for details about their training approach and techniques. Check into the differences in pace and expectations between individual and group instruction. Observe a class to make sure you agree with a trainer’s approach before paying. Also, ask for a money-back guarantee.
• Make sure you hire a trainer who asks for your dog’s health records, to reduce the chance of disease spreading.

For more information, read "Behaviorists help pets with problems."

Highly rated dog trainers from around the United States offer their advice:

• Consider six ingredients of successful training: consistency, repetition, correction, praise, patience and – possibly most important -- humor.
• Always follow through with whatever you’re asking the dog to do. Don’t repeat commands. If the dog isn't listening, add in a hand signal, or move in closer.
• Be aware of your emotions and energy level; these directly affect your dog. Notice your voice inflection. Say “come” in a positive tone.
• With housebreaking, remember that if you control what goes into the dog and when, you can control what comes out and when.
• Keep training sessions short and positive. If progress lags, take a break and play.
• Only pet your dog when you see desired behavior you want.
• Figure out what your dog values most and make him work for them. For example, if your dog likes to play ball, make him sit before you throw the ball. Also, meal time is a good time to train. Feed the dog piece by piece as you teach something.
• Regularly walk and exercise your dog.
• If you're planning a family, put your rules for your dog in place before the child arrives.
• Remember that an old dog can learn new tricks, though it may take longer than with a young one.